2009 Oakville Estate Proprietary Red

Black cherry, very high tannic impact. Opulent oak on the finish. But super-ripe fruit is what this wine is mostly all about. (RH)

The estate's 2009 Proprietary Red Rudd Estate wraps around the palate with silky dark fruit. Layered, sweet and sensual, the 2009 is laced with attractive scents of mocha, cloves and violets, all of which add complexity to the dark fruit. The 2009 needs a few years to soften, but ultimately it stands out for its textured personality and terrific balance. This undeniably appealing wine is likely to be at its best over the next 10-15 years, give or take. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. Leslie Rudd has spared no expense in trying to get the most of his superb vineyards in Oakville, but there is little question this is a multi-year project. In 2006 Rudd brought in David Abreu and his team to manage the vineyards. One of the priorities has been replanting a number of parcels and increasing the amount of Cabernet Franc on the property. In 2008, the estate replaced most of its heavy vineyard equipment in favor of lighter tractors that are gentler on the soils. Since then the Rudd team, headed by Patrick Sullivan, has crafted a number of terrific wines. Still, my sense is that the best is yet to come, especially with regards to the estate's top reds. Tel. (707) 944-8577